As more and more people move to Apple, more and more people are on the lookout for cross stitch software on a Mac. However, there simply isn’t much choice out there.
 
But that doesn’t mean there isn’t some great choices out there.
 

MacStitch – 10/10

($52 ($40 with discount code LLMAC76F))
We start with the behemoth of cross stitch software, on Mac or Windows. MacStitch is simply the Mac version of the ever-popular WinStitch, a full-service cross stitch software that not only competes (but ranks better in our tests) than the likes of PCStitch.
It has over 30 different brands of threads, including select options, such as DMC greyscale, has an inbuilt print to pdf (unlike some, PCStitch), and runs without strong demands on RAM. As a result, it’s the first place to look for a Mac software option.

But it does come with some drawbacks. The first is of course the price. Whilst the initial outlay of $52 ($40 with discount) seems steep, its comparable to the price of any Windows options, and is BY FAR the cheapest Mac software option.
Secondly, thanks to its full-service option, it comes with a learning curve. However, the same can be said with any software, regardless of platform, and as confidence grows, the extra options will become invaluable.
As a final point, if the time comes you wish to move away from Mac, all your saved patterns and files are compatible with the Windows version of the software, and whilst you’ll have to buy that copy, it saves you a serious headache if that time comes.
 

StitchFiddle – 9/10

(FREE)
I hear what you’re saying, do you NEED to pay? Well, if you want a full suite of options you need a paid bit of software. However, if you want, there is a free option. But instead of software, it’s online.
StitchFiddle has long been our favorite online pattern maker, and or good reason. Its simple to use has fantastic image creation software (see below) and most importantly, is free.

Nothing in life is truly free though, as StitchFiddle is very limited in what it can do. It only has DMC or Anchor treads, it has very simple size selection (but does go up to 2000×2000), and even more simple image editing ability. However, for a quick image conversion, it’s the bee’s knees, offering a great print to pdf option.
 

DP Software Cross Stitch Pro Platinum – 5/10

($191)
Here’s where we start getting into some pricier options. For a long time, Jane Greenoff pattern making software was the only one around, and over time she got quite a following. However, the first of our pricy Mac options, and the very first Mac software, has been lifted directly from the old Jane Greenoff software, which means it’s complicated, has a limited selection of threads, and limited in many of its features.
It’s a higher cost than the likes of MacStitch, and has considerably fewer features. It’s only real positive is its ability to work with very old Macs (MacStitch works with XP onwards).
 

Stitch Painter – 5/10

($199/FREE)
Stitch Painter is a fairly complicated program, with a similarly limited set of features that DP Software Cross Stitch Pro has. However, it does have a free demo, which despite various prompts, doesn’t seem to run out.
 

StitchCraft – 5/10

($155)
Our final pattern creator for Mac is StitchCraft, and whilst it isn’t pretty at all, it does get the job done. Considering its cost, there is simply no reason to go with something this hard to use.